San Carlos Charter Learning Center

The San Carlos Charter Learning Center (CLC) was granted state charter number #001 in February 1993 by the State of California. CLC is the oldest charter school in California and one of the oldest charter schools in the United States. The school was created by a dedicated group of community members and educators.

The school opened its doors with 85 learners in 1994 and now maintains a steady population of 260 children. CLC is a school of choice open to learners in the San Francisco Bay area.

In September 1997, President Clinton toured CLC applauding the academic accomplishments and community involvement. The school has grown from a small start-up California Charter School, to being one of the academically strongest schools in the state of California. The hard work and dedication of the educators, learners, parents and community have created a dynamic school of which the San Carlos community is proud.

CLC has successfully undertaken many projects that relate to educational reform. Its research programs experiment with learning systems and implementing ideas from leading edge research on how children learn. SCCLC uses a resource-based curriculum, using primary resources and hands-on projects whenever possible, rather than textbooks used in a more traditional academic setting. Over half of the staff has been trained in Schools Attuned—a differentiated learning program.

CLC continues to be one of the leaders not only within both the state and national charter school communities, but also as a leader for progressive elementary education for children and adolescents.